Westchase Business Round Up

Westchase will see two new businesses and a completed commercial renovation in November.

Re/Max Action First and First Title Source Opens

Bridges resident Ashley Wait said there is no truth to rumors that some of the spaces in the Westchase Town Center are cursed.

When looking at space in the Westchase Town Center for her company First Title Source she was told by a local Realtor, “You know that spot is cursed, don’t you?”

“On the contrary,” she said, “all businesses that have been there, have succeeded.”

Wait pointed out the success of a real estate office that grew and moved into a new location. “The gym that was in there was successful for a long period,” she added.

When renovation is completed later this month, the 2,400 square foot space will be divided into two different businesses, Re/Max Action First and First Title Source, LLC. “We will have 12 individual designated offices, one conference room, as well as an additional meeting room,” said Wait.

The area also will include a lounge and flex space.

First Title Source provides title insurance services to residents of the Tampa Bay area. Wait said her dedication to helping her clients will ensure the businesses success. “If you ask anyone who knows me, they will tell you I get things done. I do not take no for an answer and will find a way to make it happen.”

While not an attorney, Wait’s background in law, estate planning, tax, corporate and elder law gives her a unique advantage when it comes to real estate transactions. “Usually the seller or Realtor chooses the title company,” said Wait. “But everything in real estate is negotiable. We will make sure closings run smoothly.”

A native Floridian, Wait grew up in Sarasota but moved to Westchase six years ago. She has since become very involved in the community and with Westchase Elementary School. She was recently elected to serve on the Westchase Community Association (WCA) Board.

First Title Source and Re/Max Action First are located at 9530 W. Linebaugh Avenue.

Cajun/Creole Cuisine Comes to Westchase

The Seafood Exchange opens in November in the Westchase Town Center. Located on the corner previously occupied by Patio 6, this will be the sixth restaurant to try to make the location work.

Owner Anthony Bartolo, who previously worked with Carrabba’s and Legal Seafood, knows of the restaurants that have failed. He’s confident he’s offering something new and different that will make his place a success.

“I’m passionate about the restaurant business, food and customer service. If you give people great service and great food, they will talk about it. You have to exceed your guests’ expectations and go above and beyond the norm.”

Its menu will focus on Cajun and Creole food with an emphasis on seafood based recipes. “We’ll have po’ boy sandwiches, Cajun pasta and rice dishes, poutine, fried green tomatoes, and steaks.” Bartolo added they will also have fresh seafood specials daily.

With the help of a local restaurant interior designer, Seafood Exchange was completely redesigned with a bigger bar area and updated patio. Bartolo said that Seafood Exchange will be family friendly. He plans to have games such as Jenga and cornhole on the patio to help entertain kids and adults alike.

“This has been a vision of mine for a long time. The opportunity and the location came together at the right time.”

Bartolo liked Westchase so much that he moved here while developing his new restaurant. “I like the community and the people. Everyone seems very nice and engaged. It is a great, family oriented neighborhood.”

He said he is looking forward to becoming more involved with the community and supporting local charities.

“We want to give people something they haven’t had here before. You won’t recognize the space when you come here. It’s going to be different and very exciting.”

Bartolo said The Seafood Exchange should be open by mid-October for lunch and dinner 7 days a week.

Outpatient Center at Westchase Finishes Work

After Equity, LLC, a commercial real estate company, purchased the medical offices at 10909 W. Linebaugh building in 2015 by, the building won a makeover. Equity Vice President Phillip Kirkpatrick said the company completely renovated the common area in the building and landscaping outside, beginning in early 2016. “We put in new floors, new lights and repainted with a new color scheme. Basically it looks like a brand new common area. Before it was designed for a hospital and it looked like that. We brought the design into the 21st century.”

Kirkpatrick added they built an ambulatory surgery center in the building. He estimated the company spent $3 million in renovations and new construction for the 27,000 square foot, 17-year-old building.

Kirkpatrick said they also replaced and updated 95 percent of the landscaping and resealed and repainted the parking lot.

The Outpatient Center at Westchase is home to Women’s Care Florida, Lifetime Obstetrics and Gynecology, West Tampa Surgery Center and Health Point Medical Group. Kirkpatrick says there are still two vacant spaces that can be built to suit the tenants’ needs.

Equity, LLC, is based in Columbus, Ohio, and also has offices in Texas, South Carolina and Florida.